Build Your Dream Bed - Your extensive guide to everything bedding
When it comes to bedding, there is a great variety of materials to choose from. From bamboo (natural materials) to polyester (synthetics) and plenty in between, it can be somewhat confusing and hard to decide. But how to choose the materials that are right for you to provide the most comfortable sleep possible? You will want to consider the following aspects - Do you sleep hot or cold? Do you like a clean neat look or a comfortable mess to fall asleep in? Do you like a silky smooth or a rougher texture? Do you usually iron your bedding? Before considering your next bedding purchase, go through our extensive guide below!
Below are the more common bedding materials and terms used in Hong Kong. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a great start to better understanding materials used and options available. Grab a cup of your favourite tea and let’s begin.
It’s what’s on the inside that counts!
COTTON
Being naturally soft and breathable, cotton is arguably the most popular choice for bedding materials. Cotton fabric is made from the cotton plant. To create high-quality cotton yarn, the cotton balls are processed many times to remove the long fibres from the short fibres, as well as unusable fibres, foreign debris and other trash.
What are the benefits of using cotton?
Easy to wash & care for;
Soft, comfortable and breathable;
All-natural;
What are the disadvantages of using cotton?
Wrinkles easily;
Cheap sheets deteriorate really quickly;
Not the most sustainable choice, as cotton is a thirsty crop, and cultivation of it uses a lot of chemicals & water;
LINEN
Linen is a fabric made from the flax plant, one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Flax is cultivated throughout the world and can grow in any environment. However, high-quality linen comes from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands as their climate is best suited for flax. The process to make linen is one where they separate the long fibres from the short fibres as the long fibres are used to make the finest linen. (The short fibres are not discarded, they are used to make durable materials like canvas.) Once the long fibres are spun into yarn and carefully scrutinized for quality, they are ready to be made into fine linen.
French Linen, European Linen, and Belgium Linen Same as above, but French Linen, Belgium Linen, and European Linen all refer to where in the world the flax plant was grown and processed. For example, French Linen is grown and made in France. Contrast that with French Flax Linen which is linen that was grown in France yet is processed outside France.
What are the benefits of using linen?
Extremely breathable and temperature regulating;
Very absorbent and dry;
Naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial & antibacterial;
Supple and get even softer with each wash;
Durable and easy to care for;
What are the disadvantages of using linen?
Higher price point compared to cotton;
Initially thick, coarser feeling;
Wrinkles easily (but some like that beautiful textured look!)
SILK
Considered to be the most luxurious and delicate material for bedding, silk is made from harvesting and processing cocoons from a large variety of insects. The most prized silk comes from the cocoons spun by the domestic silkmoth. They are fed a steady (and large) diet of mulberry leaves until they make a cocoon.
Once their cocoon is complete, the silkworms are killed by boiling or steaming it alive. Why? The boiling step also blunts a natural chemical substance known as sericin, which otherwise would cause the cocoons to harden, resulting in a fabric that’s not as soft. These cocoons are made from a single strand of silk and are carefully processed to unravel the thread into individual long stands before being spun into yarn.
What are the benefits of using silk?
Breathable and temperature regulating;
Anti-wrinkle;
Strong and lightweight;
Luxuriously soft;
What are the disadvantages of using silk?
One of the most expensive fabrics in the world;
Not animal friendly;
Difficult to care for; best is hand washing;
BAMBOO LYOCELL
Bamboo fibre is made from the pulp of bamboo. The pulp is crushed, washed, and then spun into yarn which is used to make bamboo fabric. However, bamboo fabric is not all created the same. For Heveya®’s bamboo bedding, we chose the most environmentally-friendly method. This bamboo lyocell manufacturing technique uses a closed-loop process, meaning that almost 99% of the solvent and water used to manufacture the lyocell is captured and reused. This process is very eco-friendly, results in way less leftover material, and is friendly to the environment.
What are the benefits of using bamboo lyocell?
Eco-friendly;
Cooling: extremely breathable & temperature regulating;
Silky soft and drapes beautifully;
Naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial & antibacterial;
What are the disadvantages of using bamboo lyocell?
Higher price point compared to cotton;
Different kinds of bamboo fibre on the market, leading to some confusion (we use bamboo lyocell only);
Natural materials might be more delicate and cause initial pilling;
Shop Our Bamboo Bedding Here
TENCEL™
Tencel™ is the brand name for Lenzing AG’s range of semi-synthetic fibres including modal and lyocell. You can find Tencel™ banded fibres and you will also find generic lyocell. So nowadays, when you hear tencel in the marketplace, it is a catch-all phrase and no longer specific to Lenzing AG. Similar to the way Photoshop is used to say “to edit an image” when Photoshop is an actual product made by Adobe.
These semi-synthetic fibres are manufactured using a process very similar to bamboo. The difference is that before it’s made into yarn, solvents are added to the eucalyptus tree pulp to make a wet mixture. This mixture is then pushed through a specialised filter forming long strands. These strands are further chemically treated before spun dry. Lastly, these dried fibres are chemically treated again depending on their final use.
What are the benefits of using Tencel™?
Comfortable and soft;
Excellent moisture management;
Anti-bacterial;
What are the disadvantages of using Tencel™?
Higher price point compared to cotton;
Not as long-lasting or durable;
Chemicals used can agitate sensitive people;
SYNTHETICS
Synthetic fabrics, in contrast to other natural fabrics covered, are man-made. The four most common synthetic fibres are nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin. These are made using a variety of chemicals and production techniques to create fibres having various desirable benefits. Generally, synthetic fibres are mixed with another material, often cotton, to make inexpensive sheets.
What are the benefits of using synthetic bedding material?
Cheaper;
More durable than most natural fibres;
Stretchy/waterproof depending on the chemical used;
What are the disadvantages of using synthetic fabrics?
Breathability and durability depend on weave making them feel hot;
More prone to pilling and static electricity;
While water-resistant, they can soak up oils and grease leading to staining;
Chemicals used can irritate the skin leading to rashes and itchiness;
After understanding the different materials available, let’s go over other frequently used bedding terms.
THREAD COUNT
Thread count is the measurement of how many threads there are in one square inch.
For example, if you have a cotton sheet that has 200 threads lengthwise and 200 threads width-wise, the thread count is 400. In general “standard quality” sheets are around 150 TC and higher while “high quality” sheets usually are around 180 TC and higher.
Some marketing gimmicks report a much higher thread count by using thread made up of two or three smaller threads, doubling or even tripling the thread count. In the example above, 200 threads in both width and length, with each thread made of up three smaller threads will be counted as being 600 width and 600 length for a total of 1,200 thread count. With synthetics, many manufacturers are making such incredibly thin fibres for the sole purpose of increasing thread count into the 1000s. So Buyer Beware - higher thread count doesn’t always mean higher quality, just higher cost.
BED LINEN VS BED SHEET
Many times you hear people use bed linen and bed sheets interchangeably, referring to all the items used to make the bed amazing and aesthetically pleasing. So, you might be wondering, what is the difference between bed linen and bed sheets? Or, is there a real difference between bed linen and bed sheets? Simply put, yes.
Bed linen is the collective term for the various pieces of cloth that are used to make up a bed - fitted sheet, flat sheet, duvet covers and pillowcases. While a bed sheet comes in two forms - a flat sheet and a fitted sheet. Therefore, a bed sheet is just one item in a bed linen set.
Now, let’s go over the different types of sheets and covers in a bed linen set.
FLAT SHEET
A flat sheet is a flat piece of fabric used either as a mattress cover (instead of using a fitted sheet) with the edges being tucked in under the mattress, or used as a top sheet in between you and the quilt, duvet, or comforter. Some folks even use a flat sheet as a blanket instead.
If you do use a flat sheet as a mattress cover, be sure to buy a piece that is big enough to tuck under the mattress so it does not come out too easily. Alternatively, you can use elastic bands that clip to the corners and tuck this under the mattress, mimicking a fitted sheet.
FITTED SHEET
Similar to a flat sheet, a fitted sheet is used to cover and protect the mattress. Designed to fit the mattress size, it has elastic along its edges and is used to cover the mattress snugly and securely. Making a bed with a fitted sheet takes less time than with a flat sheet. It provides a nice, smooth surface on which to sleep.
DUVET COVER
A duvet cover is a removable piece of fabric that holds your duvet insert in place. Think of it like a pillowcase where the duvet is the pillow and the duvet cover is the pillowcase. Many high-quality duvets and duvet covers will, at their corners, have a loop and tie strings. After tying these together, the duvet insert will stay in place and won’t wander when you move the duvet cover. Duvet covers are placed on top of the bed. As such, you can be creative with bold designs and colours, making a personal statement on your bedroom’s decor.
What about blankets & warmers?
DUVET
A duvet is a type of bed cover that is filled with a natural or synthetic filling. Depending on the weight of the duvet, they can be a light summer duvet providing a great amount of comfort and some warmth for when you turn the AC on. A winter or heavy-weighted duvet has more material that traps your body heat keeping you nice and warm. Choosing the right duvet for your sleep habits and climate is important to ensure you sleep comfortably.
While those with a British background will almost always talk about the duvets on their beds, Aussies are more likely to refer to their doona. Both terms ultimately derive from the same word, “down”, referring to a bird’s feathers. At Heveya®, we carry a down-alternative duvet that is made of organic cotton cover and bamboo lyocell padding, a sustainable and animal-friendly choice!
COMFORTER
A comforter is a thick fluffy top cover (the shell) made from two pieces of cloth and filled with natural or synthetic filling. Comforters are quilted to prevent the filling from moving around. Sometimes comforters are referred to as a “bed in a bag”.
A comforter and a duvet are similar as both are top covers. However, unlike a duvet, a comforter is one piece while a duvet and the removable duvet cover are two pieces. This makes a comforter a bit easier to use, but for versatility and variety, a duvet allows you to buy different duvet covers without needing to buy another insert.
QUILT
A quilt is a top cover for the bed similar to that of the duvet and comforter. However, it is thinner and denser, resulting in a heavier feel on your body. It can be used layered on top of a flat sheet or a blanket.
Quilts are made of three layers - a top layer, a middle filling or batting and a bottom layer. The top layer can be bold, colourful, and have a variety of designs, usually sewn together from many pieces of fabric patterns creating a complex yet beautiful pattern. The batting is typically made of wool or cotton, but can be synthetics or blends depending on the quilter's preference. The bottom layer is a soft piece of fabric that is a solid colour and accentuates the design of the top layer. You will see this when you fold back the quilt at the head of the bed.
BLANKET
Generally, people use the term “blanket” to refer to any bed covering thicker than a sheet, including quilts, duvets and comforters. A blanket is a piece of thick cloth large enough to cover your bed and your body when sleeping (or even taking a power nap). In hotels, you will see a blanket sandwiched between a flat sheet and another layer of sheet.
Blankets are made to trap radiant body heat keeping you warm. Blankets come in a variety of weight and materials. You can even consider buying a blanket a bit larger than needed so when the edges hang over, they form a nice skirting around the bed. Additionally, many people will buy a second lightweight blanket and keep it folded up nicely and place it at the foot of the bed as an accent. They also will keep your feet warm!
CERTIFICATIONS
When shopping for bedding that fits your green, eco-friendly lifestyle or you just want to minimize your impact on the environment with your purchase, you need to be sure that you are buying from the right company that holds the same values as you do. Sadly, too many companies greenwash themselves by claiming they are friendly with terms and phrases that mean nothing, but sound impressive and inspiring trust. This greenwashing makes it difficult to really identify who to buy from. That is why we have our products certified by internationally recognised certification bodies. We also only work together with like-minded suppliers that fully comply with Heveya®’s norms to bring the most natural sleeping environment to our customers, this in terms of QC, recycling, reducing wastage & becoming Carbon-Neutral.
Our Heveya® bamboo lyocell sheets are certified with the following:
FSC: The plantations are certified under Forest Stewardship Council.
WRAP: The manufacturer promotes a safe, lawful and ethical practice for its workers.
ECO STANDARD: The plantations are considered organic as they are not using harmful chemicals.
OEKO-TEX 100 Class-1: The sheets are safe from harmful chemicals and safe to be used even for babies.
Our Heveya® organic duvets and mattress protectors are certified with the following:
GOTS: The cotton cover is certified organic.
OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1: The duvet and protectors are safe from harmful chemicals and safe to be used even for babies.
Down-feather alternative
It looks like a lot to consider when buying bedding, and honestly, this is just the beginning. Check out our mattress buying guide - to say goodbye to back, neck, and shoulder pains in the morning. You need something just as amazing to put our bedding products on.
If you think about it, all we really want is a good night’s sleep so we can be at our best tomorrow. And the best way to do that is to buy bedding materials that are green, safe, comfortable, and help us sleep well.
So, what’s next? Come down to our showroom and try out our bedding for yourself. We’ll even serve the tea.
A version of this article first appeared on the European Bedding Singapore website.
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![Your guide to living a more sustainable life at home in 2022]()
Your guide to living a more sustainable life at home in 2022
Here’s a shocking statistic: Climate change is predicted to cause about 250,000 deaths per year from 2030 to 2050. What’s more, the effects of this global phenomenon will become irreversible by 2030, according to the United Nations. Doing our part to save the planet and live a more sustainable life has never been more urgent.While sustainable living should be on everyone’s radar, it doesn’t mean you have to become a radical tree-hugger and upend your life completely, of course. There are plenty of simple practices that you can adopt, right from the comfort of your home, which is where most of us are spending the majority of our time with the pandemic still not backing down. Here are three ways to promote sustainable living at home.1. Use mattresses made of sustainable materialsThe bed is where you start and end your day. It’s either treated as the most sacred spot in the house, or taken for granted and placed at the back of your mind. If it’s the latter that you resonate with, it’s time to pull it to the forefront. Perhaps you’re thinking, what does sleeping have to do with sustainable living? The answer: everything. According to research by the National Bed Federation, only a meagre 19% of mattresses get recycled in the UK. And the main reason for that is, they’re one of the hardest items to recycle. The lack of facilities contributes to the problem too, with the US having only 56 facilities to recycle the more than 18 million mattresses that are thrown away each year. To avoid further clogging up the landfill, opt for more eco-friendly options such as Heveya®’s organic mattresses and bedding products. Since its inception, Heveya® has been part of the global fight against climate change. Designed with sustainability in mind, every mattress is made entirely out of natural latex, made from the sap of rubber trees. This means they’re recyclable and biodegradable. You can even give them a second life by shredding them and upcycling them into sound panels or seat cushions.Going beyond the product itself, the process of production is made to be environmentally friendly as well. The plantation Heveya® works with, in particular, is carbon-neutral and Fair Choice certified. What’s more, Heveya® has partnered with Replant Corp to plant 12,000 trees in a year in the rainforest of Borneo, one of the world’s most important lungs. With Heveya®, you can save the world while you sleep. 2. Use less energy at homeIt’s no question that people have been spending more time at home, since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak. You might be reading this article on your sofa, still unable to leave the house too often. Despite the situation, it doesn’t mean you have to resign to the fate of higher energy consumption and even higher utility bills. Here is a basic checklist of what you can do to live more sustainably: Turn off the lights when you leave the room. In certain conditions, you might not even need to turn on your lights in the first place, when you’ve got natural light pouring in from your windows during the day. Try to avoid relying on air-conditioning. We may be living near the Equator, but it’s no reason to blast the AC all day long. If you must, keep it to a single room and remember to keep the doors and windows closed so you’re not wasting extra energy. Another option is to use a fan instead. If you’re more committed to the sustainable life, try cracking open the windows and let the natural air outside cool you down. Don’t forget about your computer. Never leave your computer, or any device including your printer and scanner, running 24/7. Even when it’s in sleep mode, your computer is consuming power. According to CNET Labs, an idle desktop uses about 100 watts, whereas a busy one uses 145 watts, which isn’t that great of a difference. 3. Aim for zero wasteThis includes both food and material waste. Switch to eco-friendly alternatives and eliminate single-use products such as plastic bags, plastic bottles, disposable utensils – everything responsible for polluting our oceans and killing the wildlife that our planet needs to survive. Bring sustainable living to the next level by striving for zero food waste too. Well, this might be a bit of a stretch, but at the very least, you should be rethinking your leftovers. Instead of binning food left, right and centre, look for recipes that allow you to maximise every ingredient. This is an opportunity for you to use your imagination and flex your culinary skills. The rest can be composted. To go even further, why not try growing your own fruits and herbs? Your homegrown food, unlike those at the supermarket, won’t come with plastic packaging – a huge plus for the environment and your pocket. You can also be sure that your food is pesticide-free. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: To transport produce to the supermarket, a ton of fossil fuels has to be used. Growing your own produce prevents that from happening. If you don’t see yourself becoming a part-time urban farmer, don’t fret. You can still champion the values of sustainable, eco-friendly living by bringing your own reusable bag - like the Heveya® bag that you’ll receive when you buy our sheets and pillows - to the grocery store.Live your life to the greenest They say if you want to make an impact on the world, you should start with your local community. We say, why not start with your own home first, where you can effect change in the easiest, most direct way? Baby steps will eventually lead to giant strides. Strive for sustainable living at home with these tips, and give our planet another shot to thrive. -
![How To Choose The Right Mattress Size In Hong Kong]()
How To Choose The Right Mattress Size In Hong Kong
Size matters Are your feet dangling off your mattress? Do you feel restricted with the space that you sleep on? Do you feel your sleep is of lower quality when you sleep with a partner? Please read on, because you probably need a bigger bed! Did you know that common mattress sizes are different all over the world? A king-size might mean a very different mattress in Hong Kong, Europe or Australia. Listed below are common mattress dimensions in several countries. What are some common mattress sizes? Mattress sizes in Hong Kong Size Inches Metric Single 36 x 72 in36 x 75 in36 x 78 in 90 x 183 cm90 x 190 cm90 x 198 cm Large Single 42 x 72 in42 x 75 in 107 x 183 cm107 x 190 cm Double 48 x 72 in48 x 75 in 122 x 183 cm122 x 190 cm Full Double 54 x 72 in54 x 75 in 137 x 183 cm137 x 190 cm Queen 59 x 72 in60 x 75 in59 x 78 in63 x 78 in 150 x 183 cm152 x 190 cm150 x 200 cm160 x 200 cm King 72 x 75 in72 x 78 in 183 x 190 cm183 x 200 cm Super King 78 x 78 in 200 x 200 cm Other international sizes European Sizes American Sizes Australian Sizes King: 180 x 200 cmQueen: 160 x 200 cmDouble: 140 x 200 cmSingle: 90 x 200 cm King: 193 x 203 cmCal King: 183 x 213 cmQueen: 168 x 203 cmFull: 137 x 191 cmTwin XL: 99 x 203 cmTwin: 99 x 191 cm King: 183 x 203 cmQueen: 152 x 203 cmDouble: 137 x 191 cmSingle: 90 x 191 cm What size should I get? Comfort is not just about firmness. When we sleep, we move about 40 to 60 times per night. Therefore, to sleep comfortably, it is important to choose a mattress size that allows you to move freely during the night. Our advice: Length For comfortable sleep, your entire body should stay within the boundaries of the mattress. A mattress that is too short makes your feet hang over the end – which is definitely not comfortable. We recommend that your mattress should be 30 cm longer than your body length. For example, if your height is 1.7 meters, then the ideal mattress length is 2 meters. Width When you were a kid, you slept in a smaller bed. When you grow up, you should sleep in a bigger bed! To move about comfortably from side-to-side, we recommend that your mattress width should be at least 90 cm. Narrower than this, you will feel restricted and unable to relax when you sleep. When sleeping with a partner, we recommend a King size mattress rather than a Queen size. A Hong Kong / Asian Queen size is only 152cm wide, leaving only 76cm for each person. Not only is there not enough room to lie comfortably, but you may also be disturbed by your partner’s movements. If you can’t find the size you want in stores, don’t forget that you can easily get your bed custom-made! Whether you need an extra long mattress for your height, or want to co-sleep with your kids, or simply have a large room that you’d like to fill, consider going for a high-quality customised mattress to meet your needs. Read more: How to choose the right bed for couples without sacrificing sleep quality A version of this article first appeared on the European Bedding Singapore website. -
![How to Find the Right Pillow for Better Sleep]()
How to Find the Right Pillow for Better Sleep
Pillows are among the key requirements for a good night’s sleep. Without the right pillow, you get less rest and can even suffer from neck and back pain due to lack of support. In that sense, investing in a good pillow is an investment in your health! This is why it’s so important to choose a good pillow. It’s equally important to understand that one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here. Different people have different preferences and sleeping habits, so there will be variations in the ideal pillows for them. Fortunately, there are ways to figure out what kind of pillow you should get. Here, we’ll give you a quick guide to seeking out a pillow that can get you through an uninterrupted night’s sleep. What kind of sleeper are you? You should first assess what kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep on your side? On your belly? Or do you lie down on your back? Or a combination of them all? Whichever it is, it determines what kind of pillows you should get. That’s because the way you sleep tells you what sort of support your neck and spine require when you’re in bed. Back sleepers should get thin pillows that won’t throw their head forward. That’s because having their heads thrown forward puts stress on their necks. Side sleepers should opt for a high pillow, on the other hand. That can help keep their neck and spine aligned while providing good support. The width of your shoulders will also affect the ideal thickness of your pillow. This is because the pillow fills the space between the neck and the shoulder for a side sleeper. Thus, a person with wide shoulders will need a thicker pillow than someone with narrow shoulders. After all, there will be more space between the first person’s neck and shoulder. As for front sleepers (those who sleep on their bellies), they should get a flat pillow. This is to make sleeping comfortable for them and avoid misalignment of the neck and spine by pushing the head backwards. That said, the best way to find a pillow is really to try them in a showroom. This will let vendors assess if you like to toss and turn. Usually, they will take that information as well as the position in which you fell asleep as a gauge. From there, they can suggest a suitable pillow for you. What kind of material should it be? Now, aside from pillow shape and firmness, you have to think about the pillow’s material as well. There are different materials used in pillows, with different pros and cons. You have to think about your needs, such as if you’re allergic to certain materials, if your skin is sensitive, if the material is washable, and so on. Here are the main types of pillows based on material: Microfiber Pillows It’s the cheapest choice around, washable, and can come in different sizes. However, microfiber pillows don’t last very long, aren’t too breathable, and wear out easily. Down/Feather Pillow A classic choice, feather pillows can be moulded to suit your neck. However, the maintenance of these pillows can be quite difficult. They need professional cleaning and can get flattened easily, so they may be a bad choice for those who prefer firmer pillows. Kapok Pillows A vegan alternative of a down pillow, kapok is soft and free from toxic materials. However, it can’t hold its shape and is highly flammable. Its fine fibre also can trigger allergies for those who have sensitive airways. Memory Foam Pillows One of the newer options, memory foam can mould into a person’s neck and back to help with support and sleep quality. However, this foam is not ideal in hot climates due to it being dense and heat-retentive. Latex Pillows Natural latex is often confused with memory foam. That’s because both contour to the shape of the head and neck. However, natural latex is chemical-free and can be told apart easily from the way they “rebound” after use. Natural latex pillows are bouncy, whereas memory foam ones do a slow release. Natural latex pillows are an ideal pillow type. Hypoallergenic and breathable, they offer ample support and are durable. As long as you’re willing to pay a good sum, a natural latex pillow is a wise investment for your sleeping. An example of a great latex pillow is the Heveya pillow, made of 100% natural organic latex. With an open cell structure and pincore holes, it doesn’t retain heat and is breathable. What’s more, it repels dust mites naturally and has a mould resistant core, making it naturally hypoallergenic. It also comes with a removable bamboo cover for easy washing so you can always have a hygienic and healthy sleep. Firmness and form preferences aren’t a problem either, as Heveya pillows come in different firmness options and shapes and sizes. You can get it through our online shop, so take a look at them if you want the best when it comes to latex pillows. These latex pillows can help you sleep all night with no interruptions. Get the best of sleep Take note, however, that the pillow is only one part of what you need for restful sleep. It needs to go with the right mattress or you may still find yourself unable to relax in your bed. Putting the right pillow with one of those mattresses should help you sleep sweeter than ever before. A version of this article first appeared on the European Bedding Singapore website.
